Techie toilet ships in April

In the market for a new toilet? Before heading down to the neighborhood hardware store and dropping a few Benjamins on a regular pooper, you might want to take a look at Kohler's newest flushing masterpiece, the Numi.

This bathroom bad boy has a motion-activated lid and seat; integrated air dryer; a heated seat; feet warmers; ambient lighting; built-in speakers with FM radio and an MP3 player input jack. Still not convinced this is your next toilet? It's all controlled by a detachable touch screen remote that can save settings for up to six users.

The toilet of the future can be yours for $6300 at the end of the month when it launches in the U.S. (Is it just me, or is that the first time we've reported a launch date for a toilet?)

David Kohler, president and chief operating officer of the company leveled with USA Today saying the new toilet/device is expensive, but is designed for "consumers who want the best -- they want the latest in design and technology (and) want a fashion statement in their home."

He claims the luxury toilet market is "coming back" to the U.S. and is "very strong in other parts of the world."

Let's hope he's right. The Numi was in development for five years and probably netted some serious R & D costs for the company.

If you're wondering what it's like to sit on a toilet that costs upwards of six grand (I know I am), Gizmodo writer Sam Biddle said the experience was life changing after testing it out earlier this week.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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